CONTAMINATED BLOOD SCANDAL : UK GOVERNMENT RECKLESS AND CRUEL

Mick Antoniw, Assembly Member for Pontypridd and Chair of the Assembly Cross Party Group on Blood Contamination has denounced the UK Government’s misleading announcement of ‘additional support’ for victims and their families as ‘reckless and cruel,’ as the support announced will only apply in England and contains no new money.

Raising the issue at First Minister’s questions at the Assembly, Mick Antoniw said:

“This must be one of the most cruel and reckless activities by the UK Government—raising expectations, while not providing any financial support.

“It appears that Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are an afterthought, that there is no new money, no new funding, no new consequential.

Speaking later Mick Antoniw added:

“The UK Government’s reckless approach has caused a great deal of distress to victims and their families in Wales. It is totally unacceptable to treat vulnerable people, who have suffered through no fault of their own in this way.

“I was amazed to learn from the First Minister, that the Welsh Government has not been consulted on the UK Government’s announcement, which shows an absolute disregard for Welsh victims and an equal contempt for the devolution process.

“It is vital that the UK Government puts things right. The contaminated blood scandal pre-dates devolution, so the Westminster Government must fund support for victims and their families.

“They must also urgently and seriously look again at their support for those who have been widowed as a result of this scandal.”